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| The Behavior of (Other) Organisms: Considerations for Nontraditional Animal Research |
| Sunday, May 25, 2025 |
| 12:00 PM–12:50 PM |
| Marriott Marquis, M2 Level, Marquis Salon 6 |
| Area: AAB; Domain: Basic Research |
| Chair: Kathryn L. Kalafut (The Chicago School of Professional Psychology) |
| Presenting Author: CHRISTOPHER VARNON (University of North Texas) |
| Abstract: In recent years, there has been a growing interest in using nontraditional organisms in behavior analysis. Several laboratories have begun focusing on pets and other captive species to enhance our understanding of learning, particularly in the context of animal training and human-animal interactions. Others are exploring species that are relatively novel to our field to gain a deeper appreciation of both the species and its behavior. Additionally, some researchers are pursuing the use of invertebrates as practical alternatives to traditional classroom models, such as rat or pigeon laboratories, which have become increasingly uncommon. In this presentation, I will discuss my experiences in these areas, which have led to my current laboratory and classroom work with invertebrates such as bees and cockroaches. I will share valuable lessons I have learned that are applicable for practitioners, scientists, and educators alike. I will discuss strategies for those interested in exploring animal behavior, the impact of species selection, and the importance of understanding the biology and natural history of the animals we study. Finally, I will explore what we can learn from other fields of animal behavior, such as comparative psychology and ethology, and how we can better communicate with those fields. |
| Instruction Level: Intermediate |
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| CHRISTOPHER VARNON (University of North Texas) |
 Dr. Chris Varnon is an Assistant Professor of Behavior Analysis at the University of North Texas. He received a PhD in experimental psychology at Oklahoma State University, a master's degree in behavior analysis from the University of North Texas, and a bachelor's degree in biology and psychology from Jacksonville State University. Before joining the faculty at UNT, he was an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Converse University. Dr. Varnon's research interests lie at the intersection of psychology and biology, including the psychological and physiological processes that are conserved across cultures and species. His work falls into the general area of experimental analysis of behavior and comparative psychology. He is also interested in computational approaches to model behavior, as well as behavioral neuroscience and behavioral pharmacology. He has worked with a wide range of species, from honey bees to horses, in homes, farms, zoos, and the wild. Dr. Varnon is fond of many species and topics, including the behavioral ecology of amphibians and reptiles, and the social behavior of birds. Most recently, he has become interested in tropical cockroaches and other invertebrate models of behavior. |
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